Why does it occur?
Who does it affect?
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Management
Outlook
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Why does it occur?
Neck pain is caused by dysfunction in any of the structures that make up the neck.
These include the moving parts or "joints" between the bones of the neck (vertebrae),
the muscles which move those
joints, and the nerves which run from the neck to various parts
of the body. Dysfunction in these structures may result from an injury such as whiplash,
sporting activities, poor work postures, from stress, or even from a pillow that is incorrect for your spine.
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Who does it affect?
Neck pain affects people of all ages. It is more common in older groups due to age related deterioration of joints and cartilage.
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Symptoms
Dull aching or sharp pain in the neck or shoulder blade region. Stiffness of neck movements and /or tightness of muscles around the neck and shoulder. Pain, pins and needles, numbness and/or weakness in the shoulder or arm. Headache that comes and goes with or without neck pain.
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Diagnosis
Hasting's physiotherapists can conduct a full assessment to identify which neck structure(s) are at fault and why.
If necessary our physiotherapists can organise an x-ray of your neck.
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Management
Physiotherapy aims to ease your neck pain by restoring normal neck movement. This involves mobilisation of joints, massage to release tight muscles, exercises to correct neck posture, and heat/electrotherapy to relieve pain.
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Outlook
Whether your neck pain is acute or chronic, physiotherapy can help relieve and prevent future recurrences.
Prevention is always better that cure, and neck pain can be avoided by practicing good posture.
It may be as simple as correcting your head and shoulder position. Call Hasting's Sports Injury and Physiotherapy Center for an appointment. Hasting's physiotherapists will be happy to confidentially discuss any of your concerns.
This fact sheet is not designed to replace the advice of your health professional.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT PLEASE PHONE
HASTING SPORTS INJURY AND PHYSIOTHERAPY CENTER
Phone: (02) 6583 2111
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